Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time Paperback – 28 Aug. 2007

Being a person very familiar with the life of Muhammad, both through personal study, and from the interactions with learned Muslims, I was at first a little ambivalent as to whether there was much for me to learn in this study. I am happy to be proved wrong in this case, as Karen Armstrong's work provides a realistic and healthy rebuttal to the many detractions against Islam's Prophet. Even the most stubborn skeptic of the supernatural would find it hard to disagree that Muhammad was a much better man than the times he lived in. He was, as Karen Armstrong demonstrates, a benevolent social reformer who tried to provide a better path forward than the eclectic paganism of his time, and the lawless, dog eat dog system of tribal honor. Armstrong's study does not concern itself greatly with the supernatural aspects of the prophet's life. Revelations are mentioned, but only in passing, and the main bulk of the text concerns the intentions and deeds of the prophet's life. Contrary to the claims of his detractors, Muhammad was a man who abhorred violence, and took to it only as a last resort, and even then did so with a system of rules, far more noble and lenient than the other tribes of his time. Muhammad is presented as a man with a great degree of respect and reverance for the people of the book, and one struggles to imagine as to why the three holy faiths are at loggerheads today.Very little attention is given to the supernatural, rather the biography simply focuses on the man, and presents a positive, yet wholly human, portrait of the prophet. On the whole, a much needed study, and one that can be recommended to all, regardless of one's familiarity with the subject matter.

Currently reading this book. So far it is very insightful and teaches you about our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) way of life and the challenges he faced. It's teaches you lessons on dealing with challenges in life - it's actually similar to what we face today except it is 1500 years later. Enjoying the book and looking forward to learning more.

This is an excellent, comprehensive overview of Mohammed by a thoughtful and well researched writer. The book is as good as any on the prophet

Easy to read and incredibly detailed. Immense respect for the prophet is evident as well as a common-sense explanation for all the ‘issues’ with Islam. A must read!

This was bought following an interview with the author that was televised, she was a catholic nun who became an author, I agreed with so much of her ideas this is only one of the books I bought, I haven’t read it yet. Five star rating is for the sellers of the book.

I was expecting more details, but still a good book if you want to know about Muhamed . It reveals the good the bad and the ugly about his time.

Easy fast read. Written beautifully. Karen Armstrong incredibly knowledgeable and the way she presents that knowledge is so entertaining and comprehensible.

By the looks of it this writer has no axe to grind either against or for Islam which is refreshing as in a book like this you either get apologetics or down right Islamaphobes. Well done Karen.

Karen Keishin Armstrong gave a good overview on the history of Muhammad with this book. I learned a lot I did not know.

The mark of a good biography is always contextual awareness coupled with historical accuracy. And Karen Armstrong has managed to do both with equal tenacity and vigour.The Prophet has always been subject of immense controversy in popular media, particularly among the non-Arab historians - and while it is easy to dismiss them as racially prejudiced, it’s important to understand how complex and nuanced history really is.Karen Armstrong has managed to make this work though - and she’s done it using references that are often irrefutable - both from Muslim as well as western scholars and historians. This balanced approach, while understandably controversial from orthodox perspectives, is a refreshing read for anyone who’s academically inclined about a man who’s personal life is the subject of much reverence as well as ridicule by different groups today.All in all - it’s a beautifully written book - and I’d argue a must read for anyone who’s interested in understanding Muslims, or Arab culture in the 6th and seventh century. It’s written objectively, yet kindly and respectfully and is a very heartening read indeed.

Dieses Werk von Karen Armstrong hat mich aufgrund der wunderbaren Erzählung und emphatischen darstellungsweise mehrfach zur Trännen gerührt. Eine wunderbare Tribute an einen der einflussreichsten Persönlichkeiten der Weltgeschichte. Für Anfänger super verständlich aufgearbeitet.

Our concept of Islam is tainted with superstition and ignorance , but this book will enlighten the reality of Muhammad.

Easy to read and eloquent, I thought the author focussed on some arbitrary topics meddled by the anti islam crowd. A succinct conclusion, thought the book ended too quick after reading. I would recommend not as a first book for those interested in islam but as furthur reading. Good effort by the author but i believe she was forced to speak about topics based on mainstream media.